Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as related to the Markham Secondary Plan, Draft Policy Framework. Commissioner Prasad reminded the Committee that this project began in 2019 and has included numerous engagement opportunities with stakeholders and the public. Commissioner Prasad advised that the preliminary concept advanced in 2021, followed by the draft concept in 2022, and the recommended draft concept in 2023. Commissioner Prasad noted that realistic population projections were presented to the Unionville Sub-Committee in June 2024. Commissioner Prasad acknowledged that ongoing work is being finalized, particularly with respect to transportation and servicing, but confirmed that Staff would continue to advance the project with the scheduling of a statutory public meeting to take place prior to the end of 2024, which would be followed by the recommendation report to Development Services Committee. Commissioner Prasad introduced Stephen Lue to deliver a presentation.
Stephen Lue, Senior Manager, Development, delivered a presentation. Mr. Lue introduced Andrew Davidge, Gladki Planning, to continue the presentation.
The Committee requested a similar graphic used for the Markham Centre Secondary Plan presentation representing the build-out timeline be provided for other ongoing secondary plans.
Randy Peddigrew, deputant, expressed support for this step in the project and his hope that there will be further engagement opportunities with stakeholders in the coming months, particularly with Remington Group as they have been continually engaged throughout the process. Mr. Peddigrew expressed concerns with the language surrounding office employment area, noting that extensive employment uses could result in a sterilization of lands South of Enterprise Blvd. Mr. Peddigrew expressed support for ensuring a mix of uses to allow for the development of a walkable, livable community.
Commissioner Prasad confirmed that Staff will continue discussions with Remington Group as they have appreciated their relationship with the Markham Centre developers thus far.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Questioned the 407 alignment and when that is expected to be resolved. Commissioner Prasad advised that Staff have gone to the Ministry of Transportation and believe that the delay is related to the Ministry of Transportation wanting a draft of the secondary plan prior to continuing discussions. Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, added that the Ministry of Transportation has indicated a willingness to revisit the EA to look at the revised alignment but are awaiting the completion of the secondary plan and additional feasibility studies.
- Asked if Staff believe that the 7 indicated schools can be delivered. Mr. Lue advised that Staff are in discussions with school boards and believe that the schools will be delivered once the funding formula is established.
- Encouraged Staff to continue considering multi-level schools.
- Asked if Infrastructure Ontario would be treated differently considering they are a Provincial agency. Darryl Lyons, Deputy Director, Planning & Urban Design, advised that the City cannot bind the Province but through local processes can show opportunities for coordination and ways in which Infrastructure Ontario can maximize opportunities with their lands.
- Inquired about the way in which density and height are treated differently within the report. Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design, confirmed that this was done deliberately as there may be instances in which height provisions could be met on a smaller site, which provides all the elements being sought by the City, but that would result in a higher FSI. Director Cescato noted that contrarily, a larger site with multiple towers may not provide anything to the City but would have a much lower FSI. Director Cescato noted this as the reason that Staff believed it to be important to provide flexibility with respect to FSI.
- Inquired about the forthcoming development phasing plan. Mr. Davidge advised that this would primarily be relevant for Owners of large sites to ensure they have a broader vision of the entire City and area to allow for development to occur in a sequential fashion. Director Clarizio added that a consultant is assisting in developing this strategy and in the monitoring of infrastructure to establish further road network improvements and connections required for development, not only to inform Staff but also the development community.
- Asked about phasing in the area, asking if there was consideration for concentrating the phasing into smaller clusters so that construction could finish in one area before beginning another phase. Director Cescato advised that this would be a difficult strategy as Staff will not know which developers will begin building first. Director Cescato added that the phasing of the Markham Road Mount Joy Secondary Plan is tied to infrastructure pieces, rather than geography.